H. R. 1684

Floor Speech

H.R. 1684 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 21, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008. The legislation makes clear that this Congress is dedicated to providing the Department of Homeland Security with the proper tools to protect American citizens, and to ensure accountability and proper oversight of DHS.

* With many entities rolled into the Department of Homeland Security at its inception in 2003 the bureaucratic structure of the department has consistently needed improvement. DHS has come under intense scrutiny and yielded many questions regarding its bloated size and its ability to function smoothly. This legislation will take necessary steps to correct large problems associated with the agency that includes streamlining the contracting and procurement process, and require the department to conduct comprehensive quadrennial reviews of its operations.

* H.R. 1684 is a bipartisan effort to restore huge cuts by the Bush administration to important programs. The 52 percent cut to the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which funds first responder preparation and response, has been reinstated. The 55 percent cut to firefighter assistance grants has been added back into the bill. This bill also restores the previously eliminated Local Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program to its entirety, and reverses the elimination of the SAFER program. Fully funding these crucial first responder programs dictates a dedication from Congress that is unparalleled.

* The most important job of Congress is to keep America safe, and this legislation takes important steps to protect our communities. I want to commend the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. THOMPSON, for his work on this legislation and I urge all my colleagues to support it.

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